Zambia, with its expansion of small-scale agriculture and large charcoal industry, is one of biggest greenhouse gas emitters due to deforestation*

Yesterday, two of our portfolio enterprises Shared Value Africa (SVA) and Vitalite Group Ltd organised an exhibition and discussion on climate action Zambia, aiming to catalyse the discussion on what can be done now to encourage wider access to cleaner, greener energy.

Having tried to introduce alternative fuels, such as wood chips and pellets, it was widely recognised by participants that there is a strong behavioural barrier to Zambians using alternative fuels, although the appetite for solar energy is growing. Along with its innovative pay-as-you-go solar home system, Vitalite was exhibiting its newest product range – EcoZoom’s range of super-efficient stoves. Another alumni enterprise and Vitalite partner, BioCarbon Partners, was exhibiting its eco-friendly charcoal product. Other participants included: iDE Zambia, who showcased its solar water pump; MUSIKA Development Initiatives; Zambian Governance Foundation; Fondazione Arché Onlus.

It was encouraging to see our partner organisation’s coming together to ignite discussion and action on such a major issue here in Zambia. Even better that two of our Challenges Worldwide ICS alumni: Emmanuel Mutanga and William Makubalo were involved in organising the event on behalf of their employers Vitalite and SVA. Overall the event gave me a chance to see Challenges work brought to life: enterprises and people thriving and working collaboratively towards a common goal!

Enterprise: Vitalite

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Sector: Energy

This case study provides an example of the ideal Challenges Worldwide impact – an enterprise which is providing employment and training for a range of people, is having a social impact (in this case health and environmental) and is profitable – ensuring sustainability and growth options. This is then combined with an exceptional experience for the volunteers, resulting in employment for our ICVs and continued engagement with global issues for all volunteers.

Deforestation is a huge issue in Zambia, with over 250,000 hectares of forest cleared every year – a significant proportion of this to create charcoal for fuel. This is hardly surprising with only 26% of the population having access to electricity[1] and frequent ‘brownouts’ resulting in no electricity for up to eight hours at a time. Charcoal provides the cheapest form of energy, but this has a devastating effect on the environment and people’s health.

Vitalite, a social enterprise in Zambia, are trying to address these issues by providing alternatives to charcoal – through efficient cook stoves, sustainable fuel, and solar solutions. In 2014 Vitalite impacted over 3,000 households and 15,000 people[2], this was before the introduction of their pay as you go system which has increased their reach even further and has huge potential. The largest company of this kind, M-KOPA in Kenya, has connected 400,000 homes to affordable solar power – demonstrating the huge potential of this kind of intervention.